LDA to launch bird census, conservation initiatives
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By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Jan 2 : A key meeting was held today at Secretariat South Block, Imphal to finalize plans for the upcoming bird census at Loktak Lake.
Chaired by the chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) M Asnikumar, the meeting was attended by Chief Conservator (Administration, Planning & Wildlife) L Joykumar Singh, Project Director of LDA Ng Sanajaoba Meetei, Deputy Conservator (Park & Sanctuary) Amit Kaler, Divisional Forest Officer, Bishnupur W Romabai Devi, water bird conservationist K Jugeshwore and convenor of Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) & IBCN, Manipur State RK Birjeet Singh.
The bird census, scheduled for 18th January 2024, is a joint initiative of the LDA, the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), and the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN).
This year’s census will cover 50 strategic locations within Loktak Lake, its associated wetlands (like Takmu, Pumlenpat, Kharungpat, Ekopat etc ) and other wetlands and water bodies like Lamphelpat etc
Loktak Lake, once home to 127 waterbird species, now supports only around 50 species due to ecological changes. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Central Asia arrive at Loktak annually, making it a vital stopover for many species during their migration.
The dwindling numbers highlight the urgent need for conservation measures, as the presence of these birds and other ecological parameters is integral to Loktak’s designation as a Ramsar site.
The meeting resolved to form a working group (comprising officials from LDA, Forest & Wildlife Department & subject experts) to develop and implement a long-term policy for the conservation of avian species in Loktak Lake; organize a three-day orientation programme and raise public awareness on the importance of waterbirds-both native and migratory and their role in Loktak’s ecosystem and its associated wetlands.
M Asnikumar Singh appealed to the public, especially the dwellers and fishing communities of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands, to avoid any activities that could disturb the migratory waterbirds.
He urged the community to ensure the safety of these rare species and act as their protectors.
Imphal, Jan 2 : A key meeting was held today at Secretariat South Block, Imphal to finalize plans for the upcoming bird census at Loktak Lake.
Chaired by the chairman of Loktak Development Authority (LDA) M Asnikumar, the meeting was attended by Chief Conservator (Administration, Planning & Wildlife) L Joykumar Singh, Project Director of LDA Ng Sanajaoba Meetei, Deputy Conservator (Park & Sanctuary) Amit Kaler, Divisional Forest Officer, Bishnupur W Romabai Devi, water bird conservationist K Jugeshwore and convenor of Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) & IBCN, Manipur State RK Birjeet Singh.
The bird census, scheduled for 18th January 2024, is a joint initiative of the LDA, the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), and the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN).
This year’s census will cover 50 strategic locations within Loktak Lake, its associated wetlands (like Takmu, Pumlenpat, Kharungpat, Ekopat etc ) and other wetlands and water bodies like Lamphelpat etc
Loktak Lake, once home to 127 waterbird species, now supports only around 50 species due to ecological changes. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Central Asia arrive at Loktak annually, making it a vital stopover for many species during their migration.
The dwindling numbers highlight the urgent need for conservation measures, as the presence of these birds and other ecological parameters is integral to Loktak’s designation as a Ramsar site.
The meeting resolved to form a working group (comprising officials from LDA, Forest & Wildlife Department & subject experts) to develop and implement a long-term policy for the conservation of avian species in Loktak Lake; organize a three-day orientation programme and raise public awareness on the importance of waterbirds-both native and migratory and their role in Loktak’s ecosystem and its associated wetlands.
M Asnikumar Singh appealed to the public, especially the dwellers and fishing communities of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands, to avoid any activities that could disturb the migratory waterbirds.
He urged the community to ensure the safety of these rare species and act as their protectors.